Alec Pierce, the first pick for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 Draft, already has some big expectations placed on him by Louis Riddick.
Following the three-day rookie minicamp hosted by the Indianapolis Colts, many left impressed by the team’s top-overall pick Alec Pierce.
Several reporters talked about how dominant Pierce looked amongst the other rookies and how he displayed his natural jump-ball ability with impressive red zone catches.
The Colts and their fans are hoping to see some of this once the season starts. Others believe it’s a certainty that Pierce’s skillset will come through big during the season.
Louis Riddick, former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst, is already predicting that Alec Pierce will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year this coming season.
#OROY 2022#NFL pic.twitter.com/dtm1olDt2h
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) May 16, 2022
Louis Riddick predicts Alec Pierce will be OROY
Riddick made clear that this wasn’t an overreaction to an impressive rookie camp, saying that he’s liked Pierce’s game since before the Draft and if you study his tape, everything is all there.
The Colts certainly hope that is the case because they can really use another dominant receiver to help open up the offense as they try and win a Super Bowl.
It probably wouldn’t be a shock if a wide receiver won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award because receivers have been coming into the league and immediately dominating the last few seasons.
Additionally, this isn’t a loaded quarterback class that is expected to make waves in year one. So, some young receiver may be following the steps of Ja’Marr Chase and winning the award.
However, it probably will be a surprise if that receiver is Pierce. While he is talented, Pierce was the 12th wide receiver selected in this draft class.
Of the 11 receivers taken ahead of him, six were in the first round. One of those six would probably be the majority pick to win the award.
However, the winner will ultimately be decided on the field and Louis Riddick could be right. Alec Pierce could have the best season of any rookie this coming year.
Pierce, fortunately, ended up in a very good situation. The Colts have a quality veteran quarterback, a run game, and a No. 1 receiver in Michael Pittman Jr.
That means Pierce won’t be receiving a lot of attention and should be able to capitalize on one-on-one opportunities. If he capitalizes enough, he could be winning his first award at the end of the season.
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